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Minority government could lead to more inclusive nation: Anglicare Australia

Nothing inherently unstable about minority government, but it needs to be collaborative, says Anglicare Australia's chief

Waiting for seats to be filled: The finely balanced election result is "an opportunity for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to governing".

July 5 2016The prospect of a minority government in Canberra provides an opportunity for political parties to focus on governing for a more inclusive society, Anglicare Australia has declared.

Anglicare Australia’s Executive Director, Ms Kasy Chambers, said the uncertainty over the election result might prove to be positive. Her organisation called on those negotiating on the outcome to consider the wellbeing and health of Australian society and everyone within it.

“There is nothing inherently unstable about minority government, it just needs to be conducted in a collaborative way,” Ms Chambers said.

“Just for a few days, all bets are off, and the leaders of our major political parties are honour bound to listen to the voters and the range of senators and local members they have elected.”

Last year, Anglicare Australia released research showing declining living standards for people on the lowest incomes and Ms Chambers said the election reflected the reality that Australia’s changing economy was leaving people behind.

“New governments often promise to govern for all Australians,” she said. “That is as it should be. But that’s a hollow trope if a particular commitment is not made to govern for those who are doing it tough.

“During the election campaign, Anglicare Australia highlighted the importance of affordable housing, an adequate income and secure work; and pointed to the interdependence of these things.

“Living standards of those on the lowest incomes are falling further behind and basic necessities are more difficult to attain.

“This finely balanced election result, and the possibility of minority government, is an opportunity for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to governing,” Ms Chambers said.